The most affordable subcompact SUV in Nepal, the Renault Kiger, can now be driven off the showrooms. Advanced Automobiles Pvt. Ltd, the authorized distributor of Renault vehicles for Nepal, announced the introductory price of the Kiger at NPR 28.49 lakh. However, the price of each variant is yet to be announced. Targeted at the young generation, the Kiger shares resemblances with its sister model, the Kwid.

The Kiger’s front fascia is muscular and upright. It has a ‘Renault’ badge–prominent and embedded centrally–between sleek DRLs, side indicators, and split LED headlamps. A rather smaller bonnet section means that it’s not hogging the cabin’s space, which is spacious. The SUV’s side-view is enhanced by diamond-cut alloy wheels with chunky-looking cladding, wing mirrors with integrated side indicators, and sporty roof rails with a weight-bearing capacity of 50 kg. The rear gets a spread-out split roof spoiler and C-shaped tail lamps with a cutout edge. The SUV’s measures 3991 mm in length, 1750 mm in width, and 1600 mm in height. The 5-seater has a wheelbase of 2500 mm, a kerb weight of 1012 mm, and ground clearance of 205 mm.

The practical cabin offers multiple storage options: glove box storage (which has two separate compartments), door bins (which easily fits a 1-litre bottle), and massive armrest storage spaces. The dash has a 7-inch digital instrument console, which comes with synchronization capability between its graphic and driving modes (eco, normal, and sport) and an 8-inch floating touchscreen, which is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The central console has a drive-mode selector, in glossy black finish, and placed beside it is the gear lever, surrounded by chrome highlights. The push-button start, USB port, and climate-control knobs with LED display–similar to that in the Nissan Magnite–is set above the central console. The SUV gets an Arkamys sound system and keyless entry, but the wireless charging option is an accessory.

The Kiger has a range-topping 405 litres of boot space that can be further extended to 879 litres by folding the rear seat to 40:60. However, the high lip and low boot floor might be a disappointment for individuals travelling with huge luggages.

The SUV’s safety features include four airbags, ABS with EBD, electronic stability control, traction control, ISOFIX seat-mount points, hill-start assist, and a rear camera with rear parking sensors.

The SUV is based on the same CMFA+ platform that underpins the Renault Triber, Renault Kwid, and Nissan Magnite. Propulsion is handled by a 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine that generates a maximum power of 98 bhp and a maximum torque of 160 Nm and a 1.0-litre three-cylinder, naturally aspirated petrol engine that produces a maximum power of 71 bhp and a maximum torque of 96 Nm. The engines are mated to a 5-speed manual gearbox, or 5-speed AMT, or CVT.

Specifications
Engine: 1.0-litre petrol, 1.0-litre turbo petrol
Emission standards: BS6
Displacement: 999cc
Dimensions: 3991 x 1750 x 1600 mm
Wheelbase: 2500 mm
Max power: 72 hp (100 hp in turbo)
Max torque: 96 Nm at 3500 rpm (160 Nm at 3200 rpm in turbo)
Transmission: 5-speed MT / 5-speed AMT or CVT
Drive type: FWD
Top speed: n/a
Fuel tank capacity: 40 litres
Mileage: 20 kmpl
Front tyre: 195/60R16-disc
Rear tyre: 195/60R16-drum
Tubeless tyres: Yes
Safety system: ABS, EBD
Suspension setup: MacPherson Strut and Twist Beam
Seating: 5-seater
Storage capacity: 405 litres
Ground clearance: 205 mm
Kerb weight: 1012 kg
Colours: White, Grey, Moonlight Grey, Brown, Blue, and Red, with Black Roof

(Also published on the Hamrobazar Blog).